Lab 4 –Speed control of double acting cylinders

Name : Muhammad Rafay Date : 25-09-2023

Regd-No : 2021-MC-39

OBJECTIVES:
1. To control the speed of extension and retraction of a double acting cylinder. [CLO4]

APPARATUS:
Compressor, Service unit, manifold, 3/2 way push button valve, 3/2 roller lever valve, double acting cylinder, 5/2
way directional control valve, Flow control valves.

Pre-Lab Reading:
 Flow control valves
 Rapid exhaust valves
 Timing diagrams
 Meter-in and meter-out control of double acting cylinders

Pre-Lab Work:
Draw the symbols of the following valves in the space given, designate port numbers and assign valve names.

Rapid Exhaust valve One way flow control valve Manifold

Speed control of double acting cylinders

The speed control of pneumatic actuators is performed by throttling the air flow into the cylinder using flow control
valves. The flow control valves have a changeable opening that can be used to increase or decrease the flow of air
through them.
The speed control can be used to control either the forward, or backwards speed, or the speed in both directions. The
quick-exhaust valve can be particularly helpful in the scenarios where faster retraction is desired after a controlled
extension.
Consider the following two scenarios and design and implement the pneumatic circuits for the application.

MCT 313L: Hydraulics & Pneumatics 1

Department of Mechatronics & Control Engineering, UET
Lahore
Problem 4-1: Vertical switching point for briquettes
With the help of the vertical switching point, soft cool (lignite) briquettes are to be fed to an upper or lower
conveyor, according to selection.
The destination of the swiveling slide (upper or lower) is decided by means of two buttons (UP) and (DOWN) (using
two 3/2 valves with push button actuation). The upward motion of the double acting cylinder (1A) is to take place in
t1 = 3 seconds; the downward motion in t2 = 2.5 seconds. Pressure on both sides of the piston is indicated. In the
initial position, the cylinder assumes the retracted end position.

Figure 4.1: Positional sketch for problem 4-1

Task 1:
1. Draw the displacement-Step diagram for the cylinder (1A)
2. Draw the circuit diagram for the problem
3. Designate the valves and indicate the numbering system for the connections (ports).
4. Attach the pneumatic components to the trainer as described by the instructor and describe what happens
when you actuate the control valves.

1. Displacement-Time Diagram

MCT 313L: Hydraulics & Pneumatics 2

Department of Mechatronics & Control Engineering, UET
Lahore
 2. Circuit Diagram

2. Working:

In this circuit, a push button is pressed, and cylinder moves from retracted position to forward position. This forward
Cycle completes in 3 seconds due to exhaust throttling and the pressure is seen using pressure gauges. The cylinder is
retracted in the time of 2.5 seconds.

Problem 4-2: Edge folding device

Operation of two identical valves by push button causes the forming tool of an edge folding device to thrust
downwards and fold over the edge of a flat sheet of cross-sectional area 40 x 5.
If both – or even just one – push button is released, double-acting cylinder 1A) slowly returns to the initial position.
The cylinder pressures are indicated. Use a quick-exhaust valve to control the return stroke.

MCT 313L: Hydraulics & Pneumatics 3

Department of Mechatronics & Control Engineering, UET
Lahore
 Figure 4.2: Edge-bending device for problem 4-2

Task 2:
1. Draw the displacement-step diagram for the task.
2. Draw the pneumatic circuit diagram for the problem
3. Designate the valves and indicate the numbering system for the connections (ports).
4. Attach the pneumatic components to the trainer as described by the instructor and describe what happens
when you actuate the control valve.
1. Displacement-Time Diagram

MCT 313L: Hydraulics & Pneumatics 4

Department of Mechatronics & Control Engineering, UET
Lahore
 2. Circuit Diagram

2. Working:

In this circuit, a dual pressure valve is used with 3/2-way push buttons such that when both the buttons are
pressed, the cylinder moves in forward direction with the help of 5/2-way valve. One way flow control valve is
used in between to supply throttle the valve. At retracted end, quick exhaust valve is used to control the speed
parameters of the cylinder. Pressure gauges are used to see the pressure at end.

Review Question 1: Re-draw the pneumatic circuit for task 2, using a pressure sequence valve and ensure
complete extension as well as pre-set pressure in the cylinder.
Ans:

MCT 313L: Hydraulics & Pneumatics 5

Department of Mechatronics & Control Engineering, UET
Lahore
 Comment on what you learned during this lab:

In this lab, I learnt to apply basic skills which I gained in previous labs of arranging the circuit in pneumatics and
making the circuit diagram using some direction-controlled valves, flow control valves and other components like
pressure sensor and time delay valves. These components are necessary for the basics of pneumatics and for the future
bigger circuits making abilities.

MCT 313L: Hydraulics & Pneumatics 6

Department of Mechatronics & Control Engineering, UET
Lahore